transitions, startg democratic initiatives. do you think these protests, as they're being described, as you are witnessing them, can they turn into a democracy? and how often does that happen? >> well, in situations like this, there is no guiding anything. i think there is at best a management process that can take place. and if history is any guide, the best way is through a negotiated settlement. if you look at the solidarity movement in poland or the way in which the anc and nelson mandela came to power in south africa or even the popular movements that swept marcos from power -- whenever there is revolution, all bets are off the table. i mean, if you take a look at what took place in iran, where the shah fled. the movement there which was broadly popular and broad-based was subverted by islamist thee democrats. revolutions tend to yield results that are less predictable. in this case, the challenge for the government of egypt is that